Guanidine substituted imidazo[4,5-c] ring compounds

ABSTRACT

Imidazo[4,5-c] ring compounds, (particularly imidzao[4,5-c]quinolines, 6,7,8,9-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]quinolines, imidazo[4,5-c]naphthyridines, and 6,7,8,9-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]naphthyridine compounds) having a guanidine substituent at the 1-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of making the compounds are disclosed. Methods of use of the compounds as immune response modifiers, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No.15/753,560 filed Feb. 20, 2018, which is a national stage filing under35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT/US2016/048830, filed Aug. 26, 2016, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/211894, filed August31, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference inits/their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Some drug compounds act by stimulating certain key aspects of the immunesystem, as well as by suppressing certain other aspects (e.g., U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,039,969 and 6,200,592). These compounds are sometimes referred toas immune response modifiers (IRMs). Some IRM compounds are useful fortreating viral diseases, neoplasias, and T_(H)2-mediated diseases; someare useful as vaccine adjuvants.

IRM compounds have been reported based on the following bicyclic andtricyclic ring systems: 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines (e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 4,689,338); 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-4-amines (e.g., U.S. Pat.No. 5,446,153); 1H-imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyidin-4-amines (e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 6,194,425); thiazolo[4,5-c]quinolone-4-amines andoxazolo[4,5-c]quinolone-4-amines (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,929);6,7,8,9-1H-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines (e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 5,352,784); 2H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]quinolone-4-amines (e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 7,544,697); and N−1 and 2-substituted1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,331,539,6,451,810, 6,664,264, 8,691,837, 8,088,790, 8,673,932, 8,697,873,7,915,281).

SUMMARY

New compounds that can be useful in inducing cytokine biosynthesis inanimals are disclosed. Such compounds are of the following Formulas I,II, and XIV:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R, R_(1C), R_(2C), R_(3C), R_(4C), and n are asdefined below. A common structural feature of the compounds of FormulasI, II, and XIV is the inclusion of a guanidino substituent as acomponent of R₁ and R_(1C).

In addition, more specific examples of such compounds include thecompounds of Formulas III-XIII and Formulas XV-XVIII which are definedbelow, as well as salts, particularly pharmaceutically acceptable salts,thereof.

The compounds and salts, such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, ofFormulas I-XVIII can be useful as immune response modifiers due to theirability to induce cytokine biosynthesis (e.g., induce the synthesis ofat least one cytokine) and otherwise modulate the immune response whenadministered to animals. The compounds can therefore be useful in thetreatment of a variety of conditions such as viral diseases and tumorsthat are responsive to such changes in the immune response.

Pharmaceutical compositions containing an effective amount of one ormore compounds of Formulas I-XVIII and salts, particularlypharmaceutically acceptable salts, thereof and methods of inducingcytokine biosynthesis in an animal, treating a viral disease in ananimal, and treating a neoplastic disease in an animal by administeringto the animal one or more compounds of the Formulas I-XVIII, and/orpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are also disclosed.

Methods for synthesizing compounds of Formulas I-XVIII are provided.

The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodimentor every implementation of the present invention. The description thatfollows more particularly exemplifies illustrative embodiments. Inseveral places throughout the description, guidance is provided throughlists of examples, which can be used in various combinations. In eachinstance, the recited list serves only as a representative group andshould not be interpreted as an exhaustive list.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, “a”, “an”, “the”, “at least one”, and “one or more” areused interchangeably and are intended to include both the singular andthe plural except in cases where the singular alone is specificallycalled for or clearly required by the context.

As used herein, “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of thedisclosure that may afford certain benefits, under certaincircumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, underthe same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one ormore preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are notuseful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scopeof the invention.

“Ph” is used as an abbreviation for a phenyl radical.

As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable carriers” include thosecarriers that can deliver therapeutically effective amounts of one ormore of the compounds or salts of the disclosure to a subject by achosen route of administration, are generally tolerated by the subject,and have an acceptable toxicity profile (preferably minimal to notoxicity at an administered dose). Some suitable pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers are described in Remington's PharmaceuticalSciences, 18^(th) Edition (1990), Mack Publishing Co. and can be readilyselected by one of ordinary skill in the art.

“Therapeutically effective amount” and “effective amount” are defined asan amount of compound or salt sufficient to induce a therapeutic orprophylactic effect, such a cytokine induction, immunomodulation,antitumor activity, and/or antiviral activity.

“Independently,” when used to describe the identity of one or morevariable reference elements (such as when used in the phrase“independently selected” or “independently selected from the group”),means that each occurrence of any of the variable elements may have thesame or different identity, within the specified limitations, regardlessof the identity of any other occurrence of the reference element(s).Thus, if there are two occurrences of reference element “A,” andreference element “A” can be independently selected from identity “B” oridentity “C”, each of the two occurrences of “A” can be either “B” or“C”, in any combination (e.g., “B,B”; “B,C”; “C,B”; or “C,C”).Alternatively, if there are two different reference elements (referenceelement “D” and reference element “E”) that can occur together andreference element “D” and reference element “E” can each beindependently selected from identity “F” or identity “G”, then eachoccurrence of “D” can be “F” or “G” and likewise each occurrence of “E”can be “F” or “G”, to produce any combination of “D” and “E” (e.g.,“D”=“F” and “E”=“F”; “D”=“F” and “E”=“G”; “D”=“G” and “E”=“F”; or“D”=“G” and “E”=“G”.

The terms “alkyl”, “alkenyl”, “alkynyl” and the prefix “alk-” areinclusive of straight chain groups, branched chain groups, cyclicgroups, and combinations thereof, e.g. cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl.Alkyl groups are saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Alkenyl groups areunsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having one or more carbon-carbondouble bonds. Alkynyl groups are unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbonshaving one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds. Unless otherwisespecified, these groups contain from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, with alkenylgroups containing from 2 to 14 carbon atoms and alkynyl groupscontaining from 2-14 atoms. In some embodiments, these groups have atotal of up to 14 carbon atoms, up to 12 carbon atoms, up to 10 carbonatoms, up to 8 carbon atoms, up to 6 carbon atoms, up to 5 carbon atoms,up to 4 carbon atoms, up to 3 carbon atoms, or up to 2 carbon atoms. Insome embodiments, these groups have at least 1 carbon atom, at least 2carbon atoms, at least 3 carbon atoms, or at least 4 carbon atoms.Cyclic groups can be monocyclic or polycyclic and preferably have from 3to 10 ring carbon atoms. Exemplary cyclic groups include cyclopropyl,cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentyl,cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylmethyl, adamantyl, andsubstituted and unsubstituted bomyl, norbomyl, norbomenyl, and the like

The term “haloalkyl” is inclusive of alkyl groups that are substitutedby one or more halogen atoms, including perfluorinated groups. This isalso true of other groups that include the prefix “halo-”. Examples ofsuitable haloalkyl groups are chloromethyl, trifluoromethyl,pentafluoroethyl and the like.

Unless otherwise specified, “alkylene”, “alkenylene”, and “alkynylene”are the diradical equivalents of the “alkyl”, “alkenyl”, and “alkynyl”defined above. The terms, “alkylenyl”, “alkenylenyl”, and “alkynylenyl”are used when “alkylene”, “alkenylene”, and “alkynylene” respectively,are substituted. For example, an alkoxyalkylenyl group comprises analkylene moiety to which an alkoxy group is attached (e.g., —CH₂OCH₃,—CH₂ CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, etc.). As a further example, ahydroxyalkylenyl group comprises an alkylene moiety to which a hydroxylgroup is attached (e.g., —CH₂OH, —CH₂CH₂OH, etc.). As yet anotherexample arylalkylenyl group comprises an alkylene moiety to which anaryl group is attached [e.g., —CH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂Ph, etc.].

An alkylene group with carbon atoms optionally “interrupted” by one ormore —O— groups refers to having carbon atoms on either side of the —O—.Examples include —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—,—(CH₂)₂₋₄—(OCH₂CH₂-)₁₋₅, —(CH₂)₂₋₆—(OCH₂CH₂-)₁₋₄, etc.

Some examples of alkylamino groups include —NHCH₃, —NHCH₂CH₃,—NHCH(CH₃)₂, etc. It is understood that the two alkyl groups of adialkylamino group can be the same or different alkyl groups. Someexamples of dialkylamino groups include —N(CH₃)₂, —N(CH₂CH₃)₂,—N(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃), —N(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂CH₃), etc.

Some examples of alkylaminoalkylenyl groups include —CH₂NHCH₃,—CH₂NHCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, etc.

Some examples of benzyloxyalkylenyl groups include —CH₂OCH₂Ph,—CH₂CH₂OCH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH₂Ph, etc.

The term “aryl” as used herein includes carbocyclic aromatic rings orring systems. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl (designated by theabbreviation “Ph” herein), naphthyl, and biphenyl.

The term “heteroaryl” includes aromatic rings or ring systems thatcontain at least one ring heteroatom (e.g. O, S, N). In someembodiments, the term “heteroaryl” includes a ring or ring system thatcontains 2-12 carbon atoms, 1-3 rings, 1-4 heteroatoms, with O, S, and Nas the heteroatoms. Exemplary heteroaryl groups include furyl, thienyl,pyridyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, triazolyl,pyrrolyl, tetrazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl,benzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, quinoxalinyl, benzothiazolyl,napthyridinyl, ixoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, purinyl, quinazolinyl,pyrazinyl, 1-oxidopyridyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, tetrazinyl,oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, and the like. Preferred heteroaryl groupsinclude, thienyl, pyridyl, quinolinyl, indolyl and imidazolyl.

The terms “arylene”, “-arylene-”, “heteroarylene”, and “-heteroarylene-”are the diradical equivalents of the “aryl” and “heteroaryl” groupsdefined above. The terms “arylenyl” and “heteroarylenyl” are used when“arylene” and “heteroarylene” are substituted. For example analkylarylenyl group comprises an arylene moiety to which an alkyl groupis attached (e.g., -Ph-CH₃).

The term “compound” includes not only the specific structural formula asdrawn or named, but also its configurational isomers, stereoisomers,such as enantiomers, diastereomers, and meso isomers, as well ascombinations of one or more of any of the foregoing, except in caseswhen a specific isomer, enantiomer, or the like is specifically calledout. For those structures that exist as tautomers, the term “compound”is intended to include all tautomers, even when only one is drawn,unless only a single tautomer is explicitly recited. For structures thatare able to form salts, “compound” also includes salts, unless a “free”or “free base” form, which refers to non-salt forms, of the compound isspecifically recited. Particular salts are pharmaceutically acceptablesalts, such as those described in Berge, Stephen M., “PharmaceuticalSalts”, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66, pages 1-19. Saltscan be prepared by reacting a free compound (that is, one not in a saltform) with an inorganic or organic acid such as, for example,hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrobromic acid, methane sulfonicacid, ethane sulfonic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, acetic acid,trifluoroacetic acid, para-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid,succinic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, pamoic acid, xinafoic acid,oxalic acid, and the like. Typical pharmaceutically acceptable saltsinclude hydrochloride and dihydrochloride.

This disclosure provides compounds of the following Formula I:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are as defined below; and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.

Examples of compounds of Formula I are more specifically defined by thefollowing Formulas II-V:

wherein R, R₁, R₂, and n are as defined below, as well as salts,particularly pharmaceutically acceptable salts, thereof.

For compounds and salts, such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, ofFormula I, R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form a fused benzene ring, afused pyridine ring, a fused cyclohexene ring, or a fusedtetrahydropyridine ring; wherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridinering, fused cyclohexene ring, or fused tetrahydropyridine ring is eitherunsubstituted or substituted by one or more R groups.

For compounds and salts, such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, ofFormulas I-V: R is selected from the group consisting of halogen,hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, —C(O)—O-alkyl, —C(O)—OCH₂Ph,—C(O)—O-aryl, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino, aryl, arylalkylenyl,aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl,heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, andheteroaryloxy, wherein the alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groupscan be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituentsindependently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy,halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino;

n is an integer from 0 to 2;

R₁ is selected from the group consisting of —W—X—N(R₅)—C(═NH)—NH₂,—W—Z—N(R₅)—C(═NH)—NH₂, and

W is selected from the group consisting of a covalent bond, —O—, and—NH—;X is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, andalkynylene, wherein any of the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylenegroups can be optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups;Z is selected from the group consisting of—X-arylene-X—,—X-heteroarylene-X—,—X-arylene-, and—X-heteroarylene-;R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, —O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl;R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, benzyloxyalkylenyl,aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenyl, wherein any of thealkyl, arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,benzyloxyalkylenyl, aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenylgroups can be either unsubstituted or substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from the group consisting ofhalogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl, haloalkyl, and nitrile;Q is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, and —OCH₂—.

In some embodiments of Formula I, R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form afused benzene ring, a fused pyridine ring, or a fused cyclohexene ring.

In some embodiments of Formula I, R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form afused benzene ring or a fused cyclohexene ring.

In some embodiments of Formula I, R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form afused benzene ring or a fused pyridine ring.

In some embodiments of Formula I, R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form afused benzene ring.

In some embodiments of Formula I, R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form afused benzene ring, a fused pyridine ring, or a fused cyclohexene ring;wherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridine ring, or fusedcyclohexene ring is either unsubstituted or substituted by one and onlyone R group.

In some embodiments of Formula I, R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form afused benzene ring or a fused pyridine ring; wherein the fused benzenering or fused pyridine ring is either unsubstituted or substituted byone and only one R group.

In some embodiments of Formulas II-V, n is 0 or 1.

In some embodiments of Formulas II-V, n is 0.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R is selected from the groupconsisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl,—C(O)—O-alkyl, —C(O)—O—CH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl, amino, alkylamino, anddialkylamino.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R is selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy, whereinthe alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groups can be unsubstituted orsubstituted by one or more substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxy,hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino,alkylamino, and dialkylamino.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R is selected from the groupconsisting of aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R is selected from the groupconsisting of hydroxyl, F, Cl, —CF₃, —O—C₁₋₆alkyl, and —C₁₋₆alkyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R is selected from the groupconsisting of hydroxyl, F, Cl, —CF₃, —OCH₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCH(CH₃)₂,—CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, and —CH(CH₃)₂.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R is —C(O)OC₁₋₄ alkyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R is selected from the groupconsisting of —CO₂CH₃, —CO₂CH₂CH₃, —CO₂CH(CH₃)₂, —CO₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CO₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CO₂—CH₂Ph, and —CO₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₂ is selected from the groupconsisting hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, alkylaminoalkylenyl, andhydroxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₂ is selected from the groupconsisting hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂OH, —CH₂CH₂OH, and —CH₂NHOCH₃.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and —CH₂CH₂OCH₃.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₂ is —CH₂NHC(O)CH₃ or—CH₂NHC(O)cyclopropyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₅ is hydrogen or alkyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₅ is hydrogen, C₁₋₈ alkyl, or—CH₂Ph.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₅ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₅ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₅ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH(CH₃)₂, —CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, —C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, —CH₂(cyclopentyl),—CH₂(cyclohexyl), and —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₃.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₅ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —CH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂—O-Ph,—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂Ph, and —(CH₂)₂₋₆—O—(CH₂)₁₋₆Ph, wherein Ph can be eitherunsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy,haloalkyl, and nitrile.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, W is a covalent bond or —O—.

In some embodiments of Figures I-V, W is a covalent bond.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, X is alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, X is a C₂₋₁₂ alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, X is C₂₋₈ alkylene.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, X is C₂₋₆ alkylene.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, X is C₂₋₅ alkylene.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, X is a C₂₋₈ alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, X is selected from the groupconsisting of —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₂₋₄—(OCH₂CH₂—)₁₋₅,and —(CH₂)₂₋₆—(OCH₂CH₂—) ₁-₄.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, Z is—C₁₋₅alkylene-arylene-C₁₋₅alkylene- or—C₁₋₅alkylene-heteroarylene-C₁₋₅alkylene-.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, Z is —CH₂-phenylene-CH₂—.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, R₁ is —X—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, X is alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups; R₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl; and R₅ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formulas II-V, X is alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups; R₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl; R₅ is hydrogen; n is0 or 1; R is selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl,alkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkyl; and R₅ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formulas II-V, W is a covalent bond; X is —CH₂—;Q is selected from the group consisting of a covalent bond, —CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂—O—CH₂—; R₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl; n is 0 or 1; R isselected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy,and haloalkyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, X is alkylene; and R₂ is selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas I-V, the compound is present in the formof a salt. The salt is typically a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.Most commonly, the salt is a hydrochloride or dihydrochloride salt.

This disclosure also provides compounds of the following FormulasVI-XII:

wherein R_(A), R_(2A), m, J, and K are defined for Formulas VI-XIIbelow; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

For the compounds of Formulas VI-XII:

m is an integer from 0 to 2;

J is an integer from 1 to 5;

K is an integer from 0 to 7;

R_(A) is selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl,alkoxy, haloalkyl, —C(O)—O-alkyl, —C(O)—O—CH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl, amino,alkylamino, and dialkylamino, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy, whereinthe alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groups can be unsubstituted orsubstituted by one or more substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxly,hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino,alkylamino, and dialkylamino;R_(2A) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, —O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, R_(A) is selected from the groupconsisting of halogen, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, —C(O)—O-alkyl,—C(O)—O—CH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, R_(A) is selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy, whereinthe alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groups can be unsubstituted orsubstituted by one or more substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxy,hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino,alkylamino, and dialkylamino.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, R_(A) is selected from the groupconsisting of aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, m is 0 or 1.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, m is 0.

In some embodiments of Formulas XI-XII, J is 1 and K is an integer from0 to 4.

In some embodiments of Formulas XI-XII, K is 1 and J is an integer from1 to 4.

In some embodiments of Formulas XI-XII, K is 1 and J is 1.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, R_(2A) is selected from thegroup consisting hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, alkylaminoalkylenyl,and hydroxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, R_(2A) is selected from thegroup consisting hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, R_(2A) is selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂OH, —CH₂CH₂OH, and —CH₂NHOCH₃.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, R_(2A) is selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and —CH₂CH₂OCH₃.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, R_(2A) is —CH₂NHC(O)CH₃ or—CH₂NHC(O)cyclopropyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas VI-XII, the compound is present as asalt, typically a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. When a salt is used,it is most commonly a hydrochloride or dihydrochloride salt.

This disclosure also provides compounds of the following Formula XIII:

wherein R_(1B), and R_(2B), and are as defined below; as well as saltsthereof, which are typically pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

For compounds and salts, such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, ofFormula XIII: R_(1B) is selected from the group consisting of

—X_(B)—N(R_(5B))—C(═NH)—NH₂,

—Z_(B)—N(R_(5B))—C(═NH)—NH₂; and

X_(B) is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, andalkynylene, wherein the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylene groups canbe optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups;Z_(B) is selected from the group consisting of—X_(B)-arylene-X_(B)—,—X_(B)-heteroarylene-X_(B)—,—X_(B)-arylene-, and—X_(B)-heteroarylene-;R_(2B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, —O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl;R_(5B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, benzyloxyalkylenyl,aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenyl, wherein any of thealkyl, arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,benzyloxyalkylenyl, aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenylgroups can be either unsubstituted or substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from the group consisting ofhalogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl, haloalkyl, and nitrile;Q_(B) is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, and —OCH₂—.In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(2B) is selected from the groupconsisting hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, alkylaminoalkylenyl, andhydroxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(2B) is selected from the groupconsisting hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(2B) is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂OH, —CH₂CH₂OH, and —CH₂NHOCH₃

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(2B) is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and —CH₂CH₂OCH₃.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(2B) is —CH₂NHC(O)CH₃ or—CH₂NHC(O)cyclopropyl.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is a C₂₋₁₂alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is a C₂₋₈alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is C₂₋₈alkylene.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is C₂₋₆alkylene.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is C₂₋₅-alkylene.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is selected from the groupconsisting of —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₂₋₄—(OCH₂CH₂-)₁₋₅,and —(CH₂)₂₋₆—(OCH₂CH₂-)₁₋₄.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, Z_(B) is—C₁₋₅alkylene-arylene-C₁₋₅alkylene- or—C₁₋₅alkylene-heteroarylene-C₁₋₅alkylene-.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, Z_(B) is —CH₂-phenylene-CH₂—.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(5B) is hydrogen or alkyl.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(5B) is hydrogen, C₁₋₈alkyl, or—CH₂Ph.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(5B) is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(5B) is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(5B) is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH(CH₃)₂, —CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, —C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, —CH₂(cyclopentyl),—CH₂(cyclohexyl), and —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₃.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(5B) is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —CH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂—O-Ph,—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂Ph, and —(CH₂)₂₋₆—O—(CH₂)₁₋₆Ph, wherein Ph can be eitherunsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy,and, nitrile.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, R_(1B) is —X_(B)—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups; R_(2B) is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl; R_(5B) is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is alkylene; R_(2B) isselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, andalkoxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, X_(B) is —CH₂—; Q_(B) is selectedfrom the group consisting of a covalent bond, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂—O—CH₂—; R_(2B) is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formula XIII, the compound is present in the formof a salt. The salt is typically a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.Most commonly, the salt is a hydrochloride or dihydrochloride salt.

The present disclosure provides a method of inducing cytokinebiosynthesis in an animal comprising administering to the animal aneffective amount of a compound or salt to the animal selected from thegroup consisting of any one of the above embodiments of Formulas I-XIII.

The present disclosure provides a method of inducing IFN-alphabiosynthesis in an animal by administering to the animal an effectiveamount of a compound or salt selected from any one of the aboveembodiments of Formulas I-XIII.

The present disclosure provides a method of inducing IFN-gammabiosynthesis in an animal by administering to the animal an effectiveamount of a compound or salt selected from any one of the aboveembodiments of Formulas I-XIII.

The present disclosure provides a method of inducing TNF-alphabiosynthesis in an animal by administering to the animal an effectiveamount of a compound or salt selected from any one of the aboveembodiments of Formulas I-XIII.

The present disclosure provides a method of inducing IP-10 biosynthesisin an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of acompound or salt selected from any one of the above embodiments ofFormulas I-XIII.

The present disclosure also provides a method of treating a viraldisease in an animal by administering an effective amount of a compoundor salt to the animal selected from any one of the above embodiments ofFormulas I-XIII.

The present disclosure also provides a method of treating a neoplasticdisease in an animal by administering an effective amount of a compoundor salt to the animal selected from any one of the above embodiments ofFormulas I-XIII.

This disclosure provides compounds of the following Formula XIV:

wherein R_(1C), R_(2C), R_(3C), and R_(4C) are as defined below; andpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Examples of compounds of Formula XIV are more specifically defined bythe following Formulas XV-XVIII:

wherein R_(C), R_(1C), R_(2C), and p are as defined below; andpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

For compounds and salts, such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, ofFormula XIV, R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken together to form a fusedbenzene ring, a fused pyridine ring, a fused cyclohexene ring, or afused tetrahydropyridine ring; wherein the fused benzene ring, fusedpyridine ring, fused cyclohexene ring, or fused tetrahydropyridine ringis either unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R_(C) groups.

For compounds and salts such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, ofFormulas XIV-XVIII: R_(C) is selected from the group consisting ofhalogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, —C(O)—O-alkyl,—C(O)—OCH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino, aryl,arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl,heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, andheteroaryloxy, wherein the alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groupscan be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituentsindependently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy,halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino;

p is an integer from 0 to 2;

R_(1C) is selected from the group consisting of

V is selected from the group consisting of a covalent bond, —O—, and—NH—;Y is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, andalkynylene, wherein any of the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylenegroups can be optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups;R_(2C) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, —O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl;q is an integer from 0 to 5; andt is an integer from 1 to 4.

In some embodiments of Formula XIV, R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken togetherto form a fused benzene ring, a fused pyridine ring, or a fusedcyclohexene ring.

In some embodiments of Formula XIV, R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken togetherto form a fused benzene ring or a fused cyclohexene ring.

In some embodiments of Formula XIV, R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken togetherto form a fused benzene ring or a fused pyridine ring.

In some embodiments of Formula XIV, R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken togetherto form a fused benzene ring.

In some embodiments of Formula XIV, R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken togetherto form a fused benzene ring, a fused pyridine ring, or a fusedcyclohexene ring; wherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridine ring,or fused cyclohexene ring can be either unsubstituted or substituted byone and only one R_(C) group.

In some embodiments of Formula XIV, R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken togetherto form a fused benzene ring or a fused pyridine ring; wherein the fusedbenzene ring or fused pyridine ring can be either unsubstituted orsubstituted by one and only one R_(C) group.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV, R_(C) is selected from the groupconsisting of halogen, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, —C(O)—O-alkyl,—C(O)—O—CH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV, R_(C) is selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy, whereinthe alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groups can be unsubstituted orsubstituted by one or more substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxy,hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino,alkylamino, and dialkylamino.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV, R_(C) is selected from the groupconsisting of aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy.

In some embodiments of Formulas XV-XVIII, p is 0 or 1.

In some embodiments of Formulas XV-XVIII, p is 0.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, V is a covalent bond and Y isalkylene optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, —V—Y— is —O—C₁₋₇alkylene- or—C₁₋₈alkylene-.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, —V—Y— is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, or—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, R_(2C) is selected from thegroup consisting hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, alkylaminoalkylenyl,and hydroxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, R_(2C) is selected from thegroup consisting hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, R_(2C) is selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂OH, —CH₂CH₂OH, and —CH₂NHOCH₃.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, R_(2C) is selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and —CH₂CH₂OCH₃.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, q is an integer from 1 to 4.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, q is 2.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, t is 1.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, V is selected from the groupconsisting of a covalent bond and —O—; Y is alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups; p is 0; q is an integer from 1 to2; t is 1; R_(2C) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and—CH₂CH₂OCH₃.

In some embodiments of Formulas XIV-XVIII, the compound is present inthe form of a salt. The salt is typically a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt. Most commonly, the salt is a hydrochloride or dihydrochloridesalt.

The disclosure also provides a method of inducing cytokine biosynthesisin an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of acompound or salt selected from the group consisting of any one of theabove embodiments of Formula XIV, Formula XV, Formula XVI, Formula XVII,and Formula XVIII.

The disclosure also provides a method of inducing cytokine biosynthesisin an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of acompound or salt selected from the group consisting of any one of theabove embodiments of Formula XIV, Formula XV, Formula XVI, Formula XVII,and Formula XVIII; wherein V is a covalent bond, Y is alkyleneoptionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups, q is 1 or 2, t is 1,and R_(2C) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl andalkoxyalkylenyl.

The disclosure also provides a method of inducing IFN-alpha biosynthesisin an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of acompound or salt selected from any one of the above embodiments ofFormula XIV, Formula XV, Formula XVI, Formula XVII, or Formula XVIII.

The disclosure also provides a method of inducing IFN-gamma biosynthesisin an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of acompound or salt selected from any one of the above embodiments ofFormula XIV, Formula XV, Formula XVI, Formula XVII, or Formula XVIII.

The disclosure also provides a method of inducing TNF-alpha biosynthesisin an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of acompound or salt selected from any one of the above embodiments ofFormula XIV, Formula XV, Formula XVI, Formula XVII, or Formula XVIII.

The disclosure also provides a method of inducing IP-10 biosynthesis inan animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of acompound or salt selected from any one of the above embodiments ofFormula XIV, Formula XV, Formula XVI, Formula XVII, or Formula XVIII.

The disclosure also provides a method for treating a viral disease in ananimal by administering to the animal an effective amount of a compoundor salt selected from the group consisting of any one of the aboveembodiments of Formula XIV, Formula XV, Formula XVI, Formula XVII, andFormula XVIII.

The disclosure also provides a method for treating a neoplastic diseasein an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of acompound or salt selected from the group consisting of any one of theabove embodiments of Formula XIV, Formula XV, Formula XVI, Formula XVII,and Formula XVIII.

The compounds of the disclosure may be synthesized by synthetic routesthat include processes analogous to those well known in the chemicalarts, particularly in light of the description contained herein. Thestarting materials are generally available from commercial sources suchas Sigma-Aldrich Company (St. Louis, Mo.) or are readily prepared usingmethods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., preparedby methods generally described in Louis F. Fieser and Mary Fieser,Reagents for Organic Synthesis, v. 1-26, Wiley, New York; Alan R.Katritsky, Otto Meth-Cohn, Charles W. Rees, Comprehensive OrganicFunctional Group Transformations, v 1-6, Pergamon Press, Oxford,England, (1995); Barry M. Trost and Ian Fleming, Comprehensive OrganicSynthesis, v. 1-8, Pergamon Press, Oxford, England, (1991); orBeilsteins Handbuch der Organischen Chemie, 4, Aufl. Ed.Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany, including supplements (also availablevia the Beilstein online database)).

Specifically, the compounds of the disclosure can be prepared using anyone of several standard methods for preparing guanidine containingcompounds. Several standard methods are known to those of ordinary skillin the art for converting amino groups to guanidines (see Katritzky,ARKIVOC, 2005, iv, pages 49-87; Zhang, Chem Commun, 2015, 51, pages254-265; Bernatowicz, Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1992, 57, pages2497-2502). For example, amine compounds (such as those of FormulasXIX-XXXI) can be reacted with pyrazole-1-carboxamidine hydrochloride(CAS Number 4023-02-3), or benzotriazole-1-carboxamidinium tosylate (CASNumber 163853-10-9), or triazole-1-carboxamidine hydrochloride (CASNumber 19503-26-5) to provide the compounds of the disclosure. As afurther example, amine compounds (such as those of Formulas XIX-XXXI)can be reacted with N,N′-bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (CAS Number152120-54-2) to form a di-Boc protected guanidine. The BOC protectinggroups can be subsequently be removed using standard techniques such astreatment with acid to provide the compounds of the disclosure (seeBernatowicz, Tetrahedron Letters, 1993, 34, pages 3389-3392).

General synthetic methods that are useful for the preparation of theintermediate amines of Formulas XIX-XXXI have been previously describedand many of the intermediate amine compounds are known compounds.References for the preparation of the intermediate amine compounds areincorporated by reference and include U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,800 (Wightman,see Example 1 Parts A-J), U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,622 (Crooks, see ReactionSchemes II, III, V and Examples 1-3, 5, 67-69), U.S. Pat. No. 7,579,359(Krepski, see Reaction Schemes VI and VII), U.S. Patent Application2013/0230578 (Wightman, see Example 1 Parts A-D), U.S. Pat. No.7,163,947 (Griesgraber, see Scheme VII and Example 14 Parts A-F), U.S.Pat. No. 6,069,149 (Nanba, see Examples 5, 10, 12, 17, 20-21, 28, 33,39), U.S. Pat. No. 8,728,486 (David, see Compound 7c and 7d), U.S. Pat.No. 7,968,563 (Kshirsagar), U.S. Pat. No. 8,088,790 (Kshirsagar, seeScheme IV, Example 8 Parts A-D, Example 56 Parts A-D, Example 62 PartsA-E), U.S. Pat. No. 8,168,802 (Hays), U.S. Pat. No. 9,034,336(Ferguson), U.S. Pat. No. 7,884,207 (Stoermer, see Scheme VII, Example286 Parts A-B, Example 339 Parts A-D).

Some examples of intermediate amine compounds that can be converted intothe guanidine compounds of the disclosure are shown in FormulasXIX-XXXI, wherein R₂, R_(2A), R_(2B), R_(2C), R₃, R_(3C), R₄, R₅,R_(5B), R_(4C), R_(A), R_(C), V, W, X, X_(B), Y, Z, Z_(B), m, J, K, qcan be as defined in any of the embodiments above.

In the preparation of the compounds of the disclosure it is understoodby one of ordinary skill in the art that it may be necessary to protecta particular functional group while reacting other functional groups ofan intermediate compound. The need for such protection will varydepending on the nature of the particular functional group and theconditions of the particular reaction step. A review of reactions forprotecting and deprotecting functional groups can be found in T. W.Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, JohnWiley & Sons, New York, USA, 1991.

Conventional methods and techniques of separation and purification canbe used to isolate the IRM compounds used in the formulations of thedisclosure. Such techniques may include, for example, all types ofchromatography (high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), columnchromatography using common absorbents such as silica gel, and thinlayer chromatography), recrystallization, and differential (i.e.,liquid-liquid) extraction techniques.

It is understood that for Formulas I-V and XIII, when “Q” or “Q_(B)” isa covalent bond the resulting ring that is formed is a cyclopropanering; when “Q is —CH₂—” the resulting ring that is formed is acyclobutane ring; when “Q is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—” the resulting ring that isformed is a cyclohexane ring; and when “Q is —CH₂OCH₂—” the resultingring that is formed is a tetrahydropyran ring.

When a group (or substituent or variable) is present more than once inany Formula described herein, each group (or substituent or variable) isindependently selected, whether explicitly stated or not. For example,for a Formula containing “—X-arylene-X-” each “X” group is independentlyselected.

For simplicity and convenience, it is understood that some of thecompounds of the disclosure may be drawn in a certain isomeric form, butin fact all stereoisomers [i.e. configurational isomers (e.g. E,Zisomers), conformational isomers (e.g. rotational isomers),diastereomers, enantiomers] are expressly included within the scope ofthis disclosure (whether explicitly drawn or not).

Specifically, it is understood that for compounds of Formulas I-XVIII,all stereoisomers [i.e. configurational isomers (e.g. E,Z isomers),conformational isomers (e.g. rotational isomers), diastereomers,enantiomers] are expressly included (whether explicitly drawn or not).

Compounds or salts of the present disclosure may exist in differenttautomeric forms, and it is understood that all such forms are expresslyincluded within the scope of this disclosure. Specifically, it isunderstood that for compounds of Formulas I-XVIII, all tautomers areexpressly included (whether explicitly drawn or not).

Prodrugs of the disclosed compounds can also be prepared by attaching tothe compounds a functional group that can be cleaved under physiologicalconditions. Typically a cleavable functional group will be cleaved invivo by various mechanisms (such a through a chemical (e.g., hydrolysis)or enzymatic transformation) to yield a compound of the disclosure. Adiscussion of the use of prodrugs is provided by T. Higuchi and W.Stella. “Prodrugs as Novel Delivery Systems”, vol. 14 of the ACSSymposium Series, and in Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, ed.Edward B. Roche, American Pharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press,1987.

For any of the compounds of Formula I presented herein, each one of thevariables R, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, Q, W, X, Z in any of the Formula Iembodiments can be combined with any one or more of the other variablesin any of the Formula I embodiments, as would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art. Each of the resulting combinations ofvariables is also an embodiment of the disclosure.

For any of the compounds of Formula II-V presented herein, each one ofthe variables R, R₁, R₂, R₅, n, Q, W, X, Z in any of the Formula II-Vembodiments can be combined with any one or more of the other variablesin any of the Formula II-V embodiments, as would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art. Each of the resulting combinations ofvariables is also an embodiment of the disclosure.

For any of the compounds of Formula VI-XII presented herein, each one ofthe variables R_(A), R_(2A), m, J, K in any of the Formula VI-XIIembodiments can be combined with any one or more of the other variablesin any of the Formula VI-XII embodiments, as would be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art. Each of the resulting combinations ofvariables is also an embodiment of the disclosure.

For any of the compounds of Formula XIII presented herein, each one ofthe variables R_(1B), R_(2B), R_(5B), X_(B), Z_(B), Q_(B) in any of theFormula XIII embodiments can be combined with any one or more of theother variables in any of the Formula XIII embodiments, as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Each of the resultingcombinations of variables is also an embodiment of the disclosure

For any of the compounds of Formula XIV presented herein, each one ofthe variables R_(C), R_(1C), R_(2C), R_(3C), R_(4C), V, Y, q, t in anyof the Formula XIV embodiments can be combined with any one or more ofthe other variables in any of the Formula XIV embodiments, as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Each of the resultingcombinations of variables is also an embodiment of the disclosure.

For any of the compounds of Formula XV-XVIII presented herein, each oneof the variables R_(C), R_(1C), R_(2C), V, Y, p, q, t in any of theFormula XV-XVIII embodiments can be combined with any one or more of theother variables in any of the Formula XV-XVIII embodiments, as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Each of the resultingcombinations of variables is also an embodiment of the disclosure.

Pharmaceutical Compositions and Biological Activity

Pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure are also contemplated.Pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure contain a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound or salt of the disclosure (describedherein) in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The exact amount of compound or salt used in a pharmaceuticalcomposition of the disclosure will vary according to factors known tothose of skill in the art, such as the physical and chemical nature ofthe compound or salt, the nature of the carrier, and the intended dosingregimen.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the disclosure will containsufficient active ingredient or prodrug to provide a dose of about 100nanograms per kilogram (ng/kg) to about 50 milligrams per kilogram(mg/kg), preferably about 10 micrograms per kilogram (μg/kg) to about 5mg/kg, of the compound or salt to the subject.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the disclosure will containsufficient active ingredient or prodrug to provide a dose of forexample, from about 0.01 mg/m² to about 5.0 mg/m², computed according tothe Dubois method, in which the body surface area of a subject (m²) iscomputed using the subject's body weight: m²=(wt kg^(0.425)×heightcm^(0.725))×0.007184, although in some embodiments the methods may beperformed by administering a compound or salt or composition in a doseoutside this range. In some of these embodiments, the method includesadministering sufficient compound to provide a dose of from about 0.1mg/m² to about 2.0 mg/m² to the subject, for example, a dose of fromabout 0.4 mg/m² to about 1.2 mg/m².

A variety of dosage forms may be used to administer the compounds orsalts of the disclosure to an animal. Dosage forms that can be usedinclude, for example, tablets, lozenges, capsules, parenteralformulations, creams, ointments, topical gels, aerosol formulations,liquid formulations (e.g. aqueous formulation), transdermal patches, andthe like. These dosage forms can be prepared with conventionalpharmaceutically acceptable carriers and additives using conventionalmethods, which generally include the step of bringing the activeingredient into association with the carrier. A preferred dosage formhas one or more of the compounds or salts of the disclosure dissolved inan aqueous formulation.

Compounds or salts disclosed herein can induce the production of certaincytokines in experiments performed according to the description of theExamples. These results indicate that the compounds or salts are usefulfor enhancing the immune response in a number of different ways, makingthem useful in the treatment of a variety of disorders.

The compounds or salts described herein can be administered as thesingle therapeutic agent in the treatment regimen, or the compounds orsalts described herein may be administered in combination with oneanother or with other active agents, including additional immuneresponse modifiers, antivirals, antibiotics, proteins, peptides,oligonucleotides, antibodies, etc.

Compounds or salts described herein can induce the production ofcytokines (e.g., IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IP-10) in experimentsperformed according to the tests set forth below.

These results indicate that the compounds or salts of the disclosure areuseful for activating the immune response in a number of different ways,rendering them useful in the treatment of a variety of disorders. Assuch, the compounds or salts of the disclosure (compounds or salts ofFormulas I-XVIII) are agonists of cytokine biosynthesis and production,particularly agonists of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IP-10cytokine biosynthesis and production.

It is believed that one way in which the compounds or salts of thedisclosure (Formulas I-XVIII) induce cytokine production is through theactivation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the immune system,particularly TLR-7 and/or TLR-8, however other mechanisms may beinvolved. It is believed that in the immune system pathways (i.e.mechanisms) for cytokine induction, the compounds or salts of thedisclosure (Formulas I-XVIII) primarily act as agonists of TLR-7 and/orTLR-8, however other pathways or activities may be involved.

Administration of the compounds or salts described herein can induce theproduction of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and IP-10 incells. Cytokines whose biosynthesis can be induced by compounds or saltsof the disclosure include IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IP-10, and avariety of other cytokines.

Among other effects, these cytokines can inhibit virus production andtumor cell growth, making the compounds or salts useful in the treatmentof viral diseases and neoplastic diseases. Accordingly, this disclosureprovides a method of inducing cytokine biosynthesis in an animal byadministering an effective amount of a compound or salt of thedisclosure to the animal. The animal to which the compound or salt isadministered for induction of cytokine production may have one or morediseases, disorders, or conditions described below, for example a viraldisease or a neoplastic disease, and administration of the compound orsalt may provide therapeutic treatment. Alternatively, the compound orsalt may be administered to the animal prior to the animal acquiring thedisease so that administration of the compound or salt may provide aprophylactic treatment.

In addition to the ability to induce the production of cytokines,compounds or salts described herein can affect other aspects of theinnate immune response. For example, natural killer cell activity may bestimulated, an effect that may be due to cytokine induction. Thecompounds or salts may also activate macrophages, which in turnstimulate secretion of nitric oxide and the production of additionalcytokines. In addition, the compounds or salts may cause proliferationand differentiation of B-lymphocytes.

Conditions for which compounds or salts or compositions identifiedherein may be used as treatment include, but are not limited to: Viraldiseases such as, for example, diseases resulting from infection by anadenovirus, a herpes virus (e.g., HSV-I, HSV-II, CMV, or VZV), apoxvirus (e.g., an orthopoxvirus such as variola or vaccinia, ormolluscum contagiosum), a picornavirus (e.g., rhinovirus orenterovirus), an orthomyxovirus (e.g., influenzavirus, avian influenza),a paramyxovirus (e.g., parainfluenzavirus, mumps virus, measles virus,and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a coronavirus (e.g., SARS), apapovavirus (e.g., papillomaviruses, such as those that cause genitalwarts, common warts, or plantar warts), hepadnavirus (e.g., hepatitis Bvirus), a flavivirus (e.g., hepatitis C virus or Dengue virus), or aretrovirus (e.g., a lentivirus such as HIV), ebolavirus; Neoplasticdiseases such as bladder cancer, cervical dysplasia, actinic keratosis,basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides,Sezary Syndrome, HPV associated head and neck cancer (e.g., HPV positiveoropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma), Kaposi's sarcoma, melanoma,squamous cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, acute myeloid leukemia,chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiplemyeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma,hairy cell leukemia, esophageal cancer, and other cancers;

T_(H)2-mediated atopic diseases such a atopic dermatitis or eczema,eosinophilia, asthma, allergy, allergic rhinitis, and Ommen's syndrome;

Diseases associated with wound repair, such as, for example, inhibitionof keloid formation and other types of scarring (e.g., enhancing woundhealing, including chronic wounds);

Parasitic diseases including but not limited to malaria, leishmaniasis,cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, and trypanosome infection.

In addition, a compound, salt, or composition described herein may beused as a vaccine adjuvant for use in conjunction with any material thatincreases either humoral and/or cell mediated immune responses, such as,for example, tumor antigens (e.g. MAGE-3, NY-ESO-1); live viral,bacterial, or parasitic immunogens; inactivated viral, protozoal,fungal, or bacterial immunogens; toxoids; toxins; polysaccharides;proteins; glycoproteins; peptides; cellular vaccines; DNA vaccines;autologous vaccines; recombinant proteins; and the like.

Examples of vaccines that can benefit from use of a compound, salt, orcomposition identified herein as a vaccine adjuvant include BCG vaccine,cholera vaccine, plague vaccine, typhoid vaccine, haepatitis A vaccine,hepatitis B vaccine, hepatitis C vaccine, influenza A vaccine, influenzaB vaccine, parainfluenza vaccine, polio vaccine, rabies vaccine, measlesvaccine, mumps vaccine, rubella vaccine, yellow fever vaccine, tetanusvaccine, diphtheria vaccine, hemophilus influenza b vaccine,tuberculosis vaccine, meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines,adenovirus vaccine, HIV vaccine, chicken pox vaccine, cytomegalovirusvaccine, dengue vaccine, feline leukemia vaccine, fowl plague vaccine,HSV-1 vaccine and HSV-2 vaccine, hog cholera vaccine, Japaneseencephalitis vaccine, respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, rotavirusvaccine, papilloma virus vaccine, yellow fever vaccine, ebola virusvaccine.

Compounds, salts, or compositions identified herein may be particularlyuseful as vaccine adjuvants when used in conjunction with tumor antigensassociated with colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer,lung cancer and melanoma.

Compounds, salts, or compositions identified herein may be particularlyuseful in individuals having compromised immune function. For example,compounds, salts, or compositions may be used for treating opportunisticinfections and tumors that occur after suppression of cell mediatedimmunity in, for example, transplant patients, cancer patients, and HIVpatients.

One or more of the above diseases or types of diseases, for example, aviral disease or neoplastic disease may be treated in an animal in needthereof (having the disease) by administering a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound, salt, or composition to the animal.

An animal may also be vaccinated by administering an effective amount ofa compound, salt, or composition described herein as a vaccine adjuvant.In one embodiment, a method of vaccinating an animal includesadministering an effective amount of a compound, salt, or compositiondescribed herein to the animal as a vaccine adjuvant. The vaccineadjuvant can be co-administered with the material that increases one ormore of humoral and cell mediated immune responses by including each inthe same composition. Alternatively, the vaccine adjuvant and thematerial that increases either humoral and/or cell mediated immuneresponses can be in separate compositions.

Compounds or salts or compositions identified herein may be particularlyuseful when an effective amount is administered to an animal to treatbladder cancer, cervical dysplasia, actinic keratosis, basal cellcarcinoma, genital warts, herpes virus infection, or cutaneous T-celllymphoma.

For these conditions, administration of the compound, salt, orcomposition of the disclosure is preferably topical (i.e. applieddirectly to the surface of a tumor, a lesion, a wart, or an infectedtissue, etc.).

In one embodiment an effective amount of compound, salt, or compositiondescribed herein, such as an aqueous composition, is administered intothe bladder of an animal that has at least one tumor of the bladder byintravesical instillation (e.g., administration using a catheter).

An amount of a compound or salt effective to induce cytokinebiosynthesis will typically cause one or more cell types, such asmonocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and B-cells to produce anamount of one or more cytokines, such as, for example, IFN-alpha,IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IP-10 that is increased (induced) over abackground level of such cytokines. The precise dose will vary accordingto factors known in the art but is typically a dose of about 100 ng/kgto about 50 mg/kg, preferably about 10 μg/kg to about 5 mg/kg. In otherembodiments, the amount can be, for example, from about 0.01 mg/m² toabout 5.0 mg/m², (computed according to the Dubois method as describedabove) although in other embodiments the induction of cytokinebiosynthesis may be performed by administering a compound or salt in adose outside this range. In some of these embodiments, the methodincludes administering sufficient compound or salt or composition toprovide a dose from about 0.1 mg/m² to about 2.0 mg/m² to the subject,for example, a dose of from about 0.4 mg/m² to about 1.2 mg/m².

A method of treating a viral infection in an animal and a method oftreating a neoplastic disease in an animal can include administering aneffective amount of at least one compound or salt described herein tothe animal. An effective amount to treat or inhibit a viral infectioncan be an amount that will cause a reduction in one or more of themanifestations of viral infection, such as viral lesions, viral load,rate of virus production, and mortality as compared to untreated controlanimals. The precise amount that is effective for such treatment willvary according to factors known in the art but it is normally a dose ofabout 100 ng/kg to about 50 mg/kg, preferably about 10 μg/kg to about 5mg/kg. An amount of a compound or salt effective to treat a neoplasticcondition can be an amount that causes a reduction in tumor size or inthe number of tumor foci. The precise amount will vary according tofactors known in the art but is typically about 100 ng/kg to about 50mg/kg, preferably about 10 μg/kg to about 5 mg/kg. In other embodiments,the amount is typically, for example, from about 0.01 mg/m² to about 5.0mg/m², (computed according to the Dubois method as described above)although in some embodiments the induction of cytokine biosynthesis maybe performed by administering a compound or salt in a dose outside thisrange. In some of these embodiments, the method includes administeringsufficient compound or salt or composition to provide a dose from about0.1 mg/m² to about 2.0 mg/m² to the subject, for example, a dose of fromabout 0.4 mg/m² to about 1.2 mg/m².

EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1 is a compound of Formula (I):

wherein:R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form a fused benzene ring, a fusedpyridine ring, a fused cyclohexene ring, or a fused tetrahydropyridinering; wherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridine ring, fusedcyclohexene ring, or fused tetrahydropyridine ring is eitherunsubstituted or substituted by one or more R groups;R is selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl,alkoxy, haloalkyl, —C(O)—O-alkyl, —C(O)—OCH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl, amino,alkylamino, and dialkylamino, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy, whereinthe alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groups can be unsubstituted orsubstituted by one or more substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyl,hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino,alkylamino, and dialkylamino;R₁ is selected from the group consisting of —W—X—N(R₅)—C(═NH)—NH₂,—W—Z—N(R₅)—C(═NH)—NH₂, and

W is selected from the group consisting of a covalent bond, —O—, and—NH—;X is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, andalkynylene, wherein any of the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylenegroups can be optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups;Z is selected from the group consisting of—X-arylene-X—,—X-heteroarylene-X—,—X-arylene-, and—X-heteroarylene-;R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, —O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl;R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, benzyloxyalkylenyl,aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenyl, wherein any of thealkyl, arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,benzyloxyalkylenyl, aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenylgroups can be either unsubstituted or substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from the group consisting ofhalogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl, haloalkyl, and nitrile;Q is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, and —OCH₂—;or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 2 is the compound or salt of embodiment 1, wherein R₃ and R₄are taken together to form a fused benzene ring, a fused pyridine ring,or a fused cyclohexene ring.

Embodiment 3 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-2,wherein R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form a fused benzene ring, afused pyridine ring, or a fused cyclohexene ring, and wherein the fusedbenzene ring, fused pyridine ring, or fused cyclohexene ring is eitherunsubstituted or substituted by one and only one R group.

Embodiment 4 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-3,wherein R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form a fused benzene ring or afused cyclohexene ring, and wherein the fused benzene ring, or fusedcyclohexene ring is either unsubstituted or substituted by one and onlyone R group.

Embodiment 5 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-3,wherein R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form a fused benzene ring or afused pyridine ring, and wherein the fused benzene ring, or fusedpyridine ring is either unsubstituted or substituted by one and only oneR group.

Embodiment 6 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-5,wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, F, Cl,—CF₃, —OCF₃, —O—C₁₋₆alkyl, and —C₁₋₆alkyl.

Embodiment 7 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-5,wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, F, Cl,—CF₃, —OCH₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCH(CH₃)₂, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, and—CH(CH₃)₂.

Embodiment 8 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-5,wherein R is —C(O)OC₁₋₄ alkyl.

Embodiment 9 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-5,wherein R is selected from the group consisting of —CO₂CH₃, —CO₂CH₂CH₃,—CO₂CH(CH₃)₂, —CO₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CO₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CO₂—CH₂Ph, and—CO₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂.

Embodiment 10 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-9,wherein R₅ is hydrogen, alkyl, or —CH₂Ph.

Embodiment 11 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-10, wherein R₅ is hydrogen, C₁₋₈alkyl, or —CH₂Ph.

Embodiment 12 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-11, wherein R₅ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl.

Embodiment 13 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-9,wherein R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —CH₃,—CH₂CH₃, —CH(CH₃)₂, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, —C(CH₃)₃,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,—CH₂(cyclopentyl), —CH₂(cyclohexyl), and —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₃.

Embodiment 14 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-9,wherein R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,—CH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂—O-Ph, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂Ph, and—(CH₂)₂₋₆—O—(CH₂)₁₋₆Ph, wherein Ph can be either unsubstituted orsubstituted with one or more substituents independently selected fromthe group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, andnitrile.

Embodiment 15 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-14, wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of—W—X—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂, and —W—Z—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂.

Embodiment 16 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-15, wherein W is a covalent bond or —O—.

Embodiment 17 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-16, wherein X is alkylene optionally interrupted by one or more —O—groups.

Embodiment 18 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-17, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂—,—CH₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—,—(CH₂)₂₋₄—(OCH₂CH₂-)₁₋₅, and —(CH₂)₂₋₆—(OCH₂CH₂-)₁₋₄.

Embodiment 19 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-18, wherein Z is —C₁₋₅alkylene-arylene-C₁₋₅alkylene- or—C₁₋₅alkylene-heteroarylene-C₁₋₅alkylene-.

Embodiment 20 is the compound or salt of any of the embodiments 1-19,wherein Z is —CH₂— phenylene-CH₂—.

Embodiment 21 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-20, wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting hydrogen, alkyl,alkoxyalkylenyl, alkylaminoalkylenyl, and hydroxyalkylenyl.

Embodiment 22 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-21, wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂OH, and—CH₂CH₂OH.

Embodiment 23 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-22, wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and—CH₂CH₂OCH₃.

Embodiment 24 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-20, wherein R₂ is —CH₂NHOCH₃, —CH₂NHC(O)CH₃ or —CH₂NHC(O)cyclopropyl.

Embodiment 25 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-24, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is hydrochloride.

Embodiment 26 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments1-24, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is dihydrochloride.

Embodiment 27 is a compound of Formula XIII:

wherein:R_(1B) is selected from the group consisting of—X_(B)—N(R_(5B))—C(═NH)—NH₂, —Z_(B)—N(R_(5B))—C(═NH)—NH₂, and

X_(B) is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, andalkynylene, wherein any of the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylenegroups can be optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups; Z_(B) isselected from the group consisting of—X_(B)-arylene-X_(B)—,—X_(B)-heteroarylene-X_(B)—,—X_(B)-arylene-, and—X_(B)-heteroarylene-;R_(2B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, —O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl;R_(5B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, benzyloxyalkylenyl,aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenyl, wherein any of thealkyl, arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,benzyloxyalkylenyl, aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenylgroups can be either unsubstituted or substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from the group consisting ofhalogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl, haloalkyl, and nitrile;Q_(B) is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, and —OCH₂—;or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 28 is the compound or salt of embodiment 27, wherein R_(5B)is hydrogen, alkyl, or —CH₂Ph.

Embodiment 29 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-28, wherein R_(5B) is hydrogen, C₁₋₈ alkyl, or —CH₂Ph.

Embodiment 30 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-29, wherein R_(5B) is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl.

Embodiment 31 is the compound or salt of embodiment 27, wherein R_(5B)is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃,—CH(CH₃)₂, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, —C(CH₃)₃,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,—CH₂(cyclopentyl), —CH₂(cyclohexyl), and —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₃.

Embodiment 32 is the compound or salt of any one of embodiment 27,wherein R_(5B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,—CH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂Ph, —CH₂CH₂—O-Ph, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂Ph, and—(CH₂)₂₋₆—O—(CH₂)₁₋₆Ph, wherein Ph can be either unsubstituted orsubstituted with one or more substituents independently selected fromthe group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, and, nitrile.

Embodiment 33 is the compound or salt of embodiment 27-32, whereinR_(1B) is selected from the group consisting of —X_(B)—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂,and —Z_(B)—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂.

Embodiment 34 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-33, wherein X_(B) is alkylene optionally interrupted by one or more—O— groups.

Embodiment 35 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-34, wherein X_(B) is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂—,—CH₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—,—(CH₂)₂₋₄—(OCH₂CH₂-)₁₋₅, and —(CH₂)₂₋₆—(OCH₂CH₂-)₁₋₄.

Embodiment 36 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-34, wherein X_(B) is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂C(CH₃)₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂—.

Embodiment 37 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-36, wherein Z_(B) is —C₁₋₅alkylene-arylene-C₁₋₅alkylene- or—C₁₋₅alkylene-heteroarylene-C₁₋₅alkylene-.

Embodiment 38 is the compound or salt of any of the embodiments 27-37,wherein Z_(B) is —CH₂-phenylene-CH₂—.

Embodiment 39 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-38, wherein R_(2B) is selected from the group consisting hydrogen,alkyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, alkylaminoalkylenyl, and hydroxyalkylenyl.

Embodiment 40 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-39, wherein R_(2B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂OH, and—CH₂CH₂OH.

Embodiment 41 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-40, wherein R_(2B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and—CH₂CH₂OCH₃.

Embodiment 42 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-38, wherein R_(2B) is —CH₂NHOCH₃, —CH₂NHC(O)CH₃ or—CH₂NHC(O)cyclopropyl.

Embodiment 43 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-42, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is hydrochloride.

Embodiment 44 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments27-42, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is dihydrochloride.

Embodiment 45 is a method of inducing biosynthesis of IFN-alpha in ananimal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound orsalt of any one of the embodiments 1-44 to the animal.

Embodiment 46 is a method of inducing biosynthesis of IFN-gamma in ananimal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound orsalt of any one of the embodiments 1-44 to the animal.

Embodiment 47 is a method of inducing biosynthesis of TNF-alpha in ananimal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound orsalt of any one of the embodiments 1-44 to the animal.

Embodiment 48 is a method of inducing biosynthesis of IP-10 in an animalcomprising administering an effective amount of a compound or salt ofany one of the embodiments 1-44 to the animal.

Embodiment 49 is a method of inducing cytokine biosynthesis in an animalcomprising administering an effective amount of a compound or salt ofany one of the embodiments 1-44 to the animal.

Embodiment 50 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising atherapeutically effective amount of a compound or salt of embodiment 1in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Embodiment 51 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising atherapeutically effective amount of a compound or salt of any one of theembodiments 1-44 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.

Embodiment 52 is a compound of Formula XIV:

wherein:R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken together to form a fused benzene ring, afused pyridine ring, a fused cyclohexene ring, or a fusedtetrahydropyridine ring; wherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridinering, fused cyclohexene ring, or fused tetrahydropyridine ring is eitherunsubstituted or substituted by one or more R_(C) groups;R_(C) is selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl,alkoxy, haloalkylenyl, —C(O)—O— alkyl, —C(O)—OCH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl,amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino, aryl, arylalkylenyl,aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl,heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, andheteroaryloxy, wherein the alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groupscan be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituentsindependently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy,halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino;R_(1C) is selected from the group consisting of

V is selected from the group consisting of a covalent bond, —O—, and—NH—;Y is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, andalkynylene, wherein any of the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylenegroups can be optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups;R_(2C) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, —O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl;q is an integer from 0 to 5;t is an integer from 1 to 4;or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 53 is the compound or salt of embodiment 52, wherein R_(3C)and R_(4C) are taken together to form a fused benzene ring, a fusedpyridine ring, or a fused cyclohexene ring.

Embodiment 54 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-53, wherein R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken together to form a fusedbenzene ring, a fused pyridine ring, or a fused cyclohexene ring, andwherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridine ring, or fusedcyclohexene ring is either unsubstituted or substituted by one and onlyone R_(C) group.

Embodiment 55 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-54, wherein R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken together to form a fusedbenzene ring or a fused cyclohexene ring, and wherein the fused benzenering, or fused cyclohexene ring is either unsubstituted or substitutedby one and only one R_(C) group.

Embodiment 56 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-54, wherein R_(3C) and R_(4C) are taken together to form a fusedbenzene ring or a fused pyridine ring, and wherein the fused benzenering, or fused pyridine ring is either unsubstituted or substituted byone and only one R_(C) group.

Embodiment 57 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-56, wherein R_(C) is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,F, Cl, —CF₃, OCF₃, —O—C₁₋₆alkyl, and —C₁₋₆alkyl.

Embodiment 58 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-56, R_(C) is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, F, Cl,—CF₃, —OCH₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCH(CH₃)₂, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, and—CH(CH₃)₂.

Embodiment 59 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-56, wherein R_(C) is —C(O)OC₁₋₄ alkyl.

Embodiment 60 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-56, wherein R_(C) is selected from the group consisting of —CO₂CH₃,—CO₂CH₂CH₃, —CO₂CH(CH₃)₂, —CO₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CO₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CO₂—CH₂Ph,and —CO₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂.

Embodiment 61 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-60, wherein V is a covalent bond and Y is alkylene optionallyinterrupted by one or more —O— groups.

Embodiment 62 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-61, wherein —V—Y— is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, or —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—.

Embodiment 63 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-60, wherein —V—Y— is —O—C₁₋₇alkylene- or —C₁₋₈alkylene-.

Embodiment 64 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-63, wherein R_(2C) is selected from the group consisting hydrogen,alkyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, alkylaminoalkylenyl, and hydroxyalkylenyl.

Embodiment 65 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-64, wherein R_(2C) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,alkyl, and alkoxyalkylenyl.

Embodiment 66 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-64, wherein R_(2C) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃,—CH₂CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂OH, and—CH₂CH₂OH.

Embodiment 67 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-64, wherein R_(2C) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and—CH₂CH₂OCH₃.

Embodiment 68 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-63, wherein R_(2C) is —CH₂NHOCH₃, —CH₂NHC(O)CH₃ or—CH₂NHC(O)cyclopropyl.

Embodiment 69 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-63, wherein R_(2C) is —CH₂NHOCH₃.

Embodiment 70 is the compound or salt of embodiment 52, wherein V isselected from the group consisting of a covalent bond and —O—; Y isalkylene optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups; q is aninteger from 1 to 2; t is 1; R_(2C) is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃,—CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and —CH₂CH₂OCH₃.

Embodiment 71 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-70, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is hydrochloride.

Embodiment 72 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-70, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is dihydrochloride.

Embodiment 73 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising atherapeutically effective amount of a compound or salt of any one of theembodiments 52-72 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.

Embodiment 74 is a method of inducing cytokine biosynthesis in an animalcomprising administering an effective amount of a compound or salt ofany one of the embodiments 52-72 to the animal.

Embodiment 75 is a method of inducing biosynthesis of IFN-alpha in ananimal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound orsalt of any one of the embodiments 52-72 to the animal.

Embodiment 76 is a method of inducing biosynthesis of IFN-gamma in ananimal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound orsalt of any one of the embodiments 52-72 to the animal.

Embodiment 77 is a method of inducing biosynthesis of TNF-alpha in ananimal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound orsalt of any one of the embodiments 52-72 to the animal.

Embodiment 78 is a method of inducing biosynthesis of IP-10 in an animalcomprising administering an effective amount of a compound or salt ofany one of the embodiments 52-72 to the animal.

Embodiment 79 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-5,wherein R is selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl,alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, —C(O)—O-alkyl, —C(O)—OCH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl,amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino.

Embodiment 80 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments 1-5,wherein R is selected from the group consisting of aryl, arylalkylenyl,aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl,heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, andheteroaryloxy, wherein the alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroaryl alkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groupscan be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituentsindependently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy,halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino.

Embodiment 81 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-56, wherein R_(C) is selected from the group consisting of halogen,hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, —C(O)—O-alkyl, —C(O)—OCH₂Ph,—C(O)—O-aryl, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino.

Embodiment 82 is the compound or salt of any one of the embodiments52-56, wherein R_(C) is selected from the group consisting of aryl,arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl,heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, andheteroaryloxy, wherein the alkyl, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl,heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy groupscan be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituentsindependently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy,halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino.

Embodiment 83 is a compound selected from the group consisting of:

1-[4-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine;

1-[4-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine;

1-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine;

1-[4-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine;

1-[4-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine;

1-[4-(4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine;

1-[4-(4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine;

1-[4-(4-amino-2-(methoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 84 is a compound selected from the group consisting of

1-[3-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-(4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-(4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-(4-amino-2-(methoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidine;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 85 is a compound selected from the group consisting of

1-[2-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-(methoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 86 is a compound selected from the group consisting of

1-[2-[2-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-[2-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-[2-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-[2-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-[2-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-[2-(4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-[2-(4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-[2-(4-amino-2-(methoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidine;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 87 is a compound selected from the group consisting of

1-[3-[4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-[4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-[4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-[4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-[4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-[4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-[4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidine;

1-[3-[4-amino-2-(methoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidine;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 88 is a compound selected from the group consisting of:

1-[2-(4-amino-imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-(2-ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

1-[2-(4-amino-2-(2-methoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidine;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Objects and advantages of the disclosure are further illustrated by theexamples provided herein. The particular materials and amounts thereofrecited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, aremerely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. The person ofordinary skill in the art, after carefully reviewing the entirety ofthis disclosure, will be able to use materials and conditions inaddition to those specifically described in the examples.

EXAMPLES Example 11-[4-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-(4-aminobutyl)-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (1.347 g, 5.01mmol) was suspended in 12 mL of anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)and stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere. Diisopropylethylamine (0.88 mL,5.1 mmol) and pyrazole-1-carboxamidine hydrochloride (750 mg, 5.12 mmol)were then added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 days. Thereaction mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure and theresulting solid was titurated with acetonitrile to provide an orangepowder that was isolated by filtration.

Chromatography (SiO₂, chloroform-methanol-water-acetic acid eluent80:18:2:0.1 with a gradient to 50:40:10:0.1) gave a foam that wasconcentrated from 1N hydrochloric acid solution and then from ethanol toprovide1-[4-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a yellow crystalline solid, mp 234-244° C. ¹H NMR(D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.81 (d, 8.4 J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H),7.52-7.45 (m, 2H), 4.26 (t, J=7.6, 2H), 3.07 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 2.57 (s,3H), 1.77 (m, 2H), 1.61 (m, 2H).

Example 21-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinehydrochloride

1-(4-aminobutyl)-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (1.22 g, 4.49mmol) was suspended in 10 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under anitrogen atmosphere. Diisopropylethylamine (0.78 mL, 4.5 mmol) andpyrazole-1-carboxamidine hydrochloride (658 mg, 4.49 mmol) were thenadded and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultingsolid was crystallized from acetonitrile/water to provide1-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinehydrochloride as off-white crystals, mp 240-242° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500MHz) 7.32 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (t, J=8.1 Hz,1H), 6.99 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 3.56 (m, 2H), 2.92 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.50(quartet, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.41-1.26 (m, 4H), 1.18 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 3H).

Example 31-[4-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinehydrochloride

1-(4-aminobutyl)-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (1.487 g, 5.01mmol) was suspended in 12 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under anitrogen atmosphere. Diisopropylethylamine (0.90 mL, 5.2 mmol) andpyrazole-1-carboxamidine hydrochloride (750 mg, 5.12 mmol) were thenadded and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 days. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultingsolid was crystallized from acetonitrile to provide1-[4-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinehydrochloride as off-white crystals, mp 156-158° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500MHz) 7.23 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.94-6.88 (m, 2H),3.41 (m, 2H), 2.90 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 2.32 (t, J=7.4 Hz 2H), 1.47 (m,2H), 1.35 (m, 2H), 1.11 (m, 2H), 0.88 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

Example 41-[4-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinehydrochloride

1-(4-aminobutyl)-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (2.00 g, 6.43mmol) was suspended in 14 mL of anhydrous N-methylpyrrolidone andstirred under a nitrogen atmosphere.

Diisopropylethylamine (1.12 mL, 6.41 mmol) and pyrazole-1-carboxamidinehydrochloride (939 mg, 6.41 mmol) were then added and the reactionmixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was thenconcentrated under reduced pressure and the resulting solid wascrystallized from acetonitrile/water to provide1-[4-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinehydrochloride, mp 237-238° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.32 (d, J=8.2 Hz,1H), 7.24 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.07 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (t, J=7.4 Hz,1H), 3.54 (m, 2H), 2.94 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.38 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H),1.41-1.36 (m, 4H), 1.32-1.22 (m, 4H), 0.88 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 51-[2-[2-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-[2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethyl]-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (1.637g, 5.01 mmol, see Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,622) was suspended in12 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere.Diisopropylethylamine (0.90 mL, 5.2 mmol) and pyrazole-1-carboxamidinehydrochloride (750 mg, 5.12 mmol) were then added and the reactionmixture was stirred for 3 days. The reaction mixture was thenconcentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography (SiO₂,chloroform-methanol-water-acetic acid eluent 80:18:2:0.1 with a gradientto 50:40:10:0.1) gave a foam. The foam was crystallized from ethanol andthe concentrated from 1N hydrochloric acid solution followed by ethanolto provide1-[2-[2-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethoxy]ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a solid, mp 184-188° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 8.00(m, 1H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.44 (m, 2H), 4.55 (t, J=5.1, 2H), 3.86 (t,J=5.1, 2H), 3.39 (t, J=4.7, 2H), 2.93-2.88 (m, 4H), 1.81 (m, 2H), 1.47(m, 2H), 0.97 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H).

Example 61-[2-[2-[4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]ethoxy]ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-[2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethyl]-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine(1.317 g, 4.00 mmol, see Example 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,622) wassuspended in 12 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under N₂.Diisopropylethylamine (0.72 mL, 4.2 mmol) and pyrazole-1-carboxamidinehydrochloride (600 mg, 4.09 mmol) were then added and the reactionmixture was stirred for 3 days. The reaction mixture was thenconcentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography (SiO₂,chloroform-methanol-water-acetic acid eluent 80:18:2:0.1 with a gradientto 50:40:10:0.1) gave a foam. The foam was concentrated from 1Nhydrochloric acid solution followed by ethanol to give1-[2-[2-[4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]ethoxy]ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a solid, mp 188-192° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.99(m, 1H), 7.61 (m, 1H), 7.49-7.44 (m, 2H), 4.58 (t, J=4.7, 2H), 4.00 (t,J=6.0, 2H), 3.86 (t, J=5.1, 2H), 3.43 (s, 3H), 3.39 (t, J=4.8, 2H), 3.23(t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 2.91 (t, J=4.7 Hz, 2H).

Example 71-[4-(4-amino-2-pentyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinehydrochloride

1-(4-aminobutyl)-2-pentyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine(1.260 g, 3.83 mmol) was suspended in 10 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirredunder a nitrogen atmosphere.

Diisopropylethylamine (0.72 mL, 4.2 mmol) and pyrazole-1-carboxamidinehydrochloride (600 mg, 4.09 mmol) were then added and the reactionmixture was stirred for 2 days. The reaction mixture was thenconcentrated under reduced pressure to provide a gummy solid.Crystallization from acetonitrile-methanol provided1-[4-(4-amino-2-pentyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]guanidinehydrochloride as tan needles, mp 178-180° C. ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 500 MHz)4.31 (t, J=7.8, 2H), 3.23 (t, J=6.9, 2H), 3.00 (m, 2H), 2.86 (t, J=7.8,2H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 1.86-1.83 (m, 4H), 1.69 (m, 2H), 1.47-1.42 (m, 4H),0.95 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

Example 81-[3-[4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidinehydrochloride

1-(3-amino-2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine(1.024 g, 3.15 mmol) was suspended in 10 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirredunder a nitrogen atmosphere. Diisopropylethylamine (0.58 mL, 3.3 mmol)and pyrazole-1-carboxamidine hydrochloride (476 mg, 3.25 mmol) were thenadded and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 days. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure to give a brownsyrup. The syrup was triturated with acetonitrile to give a brown powderwhich was isolated by filtration. Crystallization fromacetonitrile-methanol provided1-[3-[4-amino-2-(2-methoxyethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]guanidinehydrochloride as white crystals, mp 246-250° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz)7.52 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H),7.06 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.01 (d, J=14.4 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (d, J=14.4 Hz,1H), 2.95 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.88 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.63 (m, 2H),1.64 (m, 2H), 1.36 (m, 2H), 0.90 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H), 0.61 (s, 3H), 0.50(s, 3H).

Example 9 1-[3-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (560 mg, 2.32 mmol) wasdissolved 10 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under a nitrogenatmosphere. N,N′-Bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (720 mg, 2.32 mmol)was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 70° C. for 90 minutes.The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Theresulting material was dissolved in a solution of chloroform (50 mL) andmethanol (2 mL) and then washed with water (3×) and finally brine. Theorganic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated underreduced pressure. Chromatography [SiO₂, chloroform/(10%methanol/chloroform saturated with NH₄OH) eluent] followed bycrystallization from acetonitrile yielded 203 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[3-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate.

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 5 mL of 1.25 N HCl inmethanol and heated at 70° C. overnight. The mixture was cooledresulting in the precipitation of a solid. The solid was isolated byfiltration, rinsed with a cold methanol and dried under vacuum toprovide 75 mg of1-[3-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a white powder. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 8.12 (s, 1H),7.86 (m, 1H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.50-7.44 (m, 2H), 4.47 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H),3.14 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.08 (m, 2H).

Example 101-[3-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-(3-aminopropyl)-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (400 mg, 1.57mmol) was dissolved 10 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under a nitrogenatmosphere. N,N′-Bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (490 mg, 1.57 mmol)was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultingmaterial was dissolved in 50 mL of chloroform and then washed with water(3×) and finally brine. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography [SiO₂,chloroform/(10% methanol/chloroform saturated with NH₄OH) eluent]followed by crystallization from acetonitrile yielded 374 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[3-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate.

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 10 mL of 1.25 N HCl inmethanol and heated at 70° C. overnight. The mixture was cooledresulting in the precipitation of a solid. The solid was isolated byfiltration, rinsed with a cold methanol and dried under vacuum toprovide 151 mg of1-[3-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a white powder. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.71 (m, 1H),7.55 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.37 (m, 2H), 4.23 (m, 2H), 3.18 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H),2.50 (s, 3H), 1.92 (m, 2H).

Example 111-[3-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-(3-aminopropyl)-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (770 mg, 2.86mmol) was dissolved 10 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under a nitrogenatmosphere. N,N′-Bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (880 mg, 2.84 mmol)was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultingmaterial was dissolved in 50 mL of chloroform and then washed with water(3×) and finally brine. The organic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography [SiO₂,chloroform/(10% methanol/chloroform saturated with NH₄OH) eluent]followed by crystallization from acetonitrile yielded 561 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[3-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate.

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 10 mL of 1.25 N HCl inmethanol and heated at 70° C. overnight. The mixture was cooledresulting in the precipitation of a solid. The solid was isolated byfiltration, rinsed with a cold methanol and dried under vacuum toprovide 107 mg of1-[3-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a white powder. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.78 (m, 1H),7.56 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.41 (m, 2H), 4.30 (m, 2H), 3.20 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H),2.83 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.96 (m, 2H), 1.32 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H).

Example 121-[3-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-(3-aminopropyl)-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (1.304 g, 4.61mmol) was dissolved 10 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under a nitrogenatmosphere. N,N′-Bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (1.428 mg, 4.61 mmol)was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 50° C. for 2 hours. Thereaction mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure. Theresulting material was dissolved in 75 mL of chloroform and then washedwith water (3×) and finally brine. The organic layer was then dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography[SiO₂, chloroform/(10% methanol/chloroform saturated with NH₄OH) eluent]followed by crystallization from acetonitrile yielded 1.15 g oftert-butyl-N-[[3-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate.

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 15 mL of 1.2 N HCl inmethanol and heated at 60° C. overnight. The mixture was cooledresulting in the precipitation of a solid. The solid was isolated byfiltration, rinsed with a cold methanol and dried under vacuum toprovide 709 mg of1-[3-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as white crystals. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.70 (m, 1H),7.54 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 2H), 4.31 (m, 2H), 3.21 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H),2.78 (m, 2H), 1.96 (m, 2H), 1.76 (m, 2H), 0.96 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H).

Example 131-[3-[4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-(3-aminopropyl)-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (570mg, 1.91 mmol) was dissolved 10 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under anitrogen atmosphere. N,N′-Bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (590 mg, 1.91mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours. Thereaction mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure. Theresulting material was dissolved in 50 mL of chloroform and then washedwith water (3×) and finally brine. The organic layer was then dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography[SiO₂, chloroform/(10% methanol/chloroform saturated with NH₄OH) eluent]followed by crystallization from acetonitrile yielded 420 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[3-(4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 10 mL of 1.2 N HCl inmethanol and heated at 60° C. overnight. The mixture was cooledresulting in the precipitation of a solid. The solid was isolated byfiltration, rinsed with a cold methanol and dried under vacuum toprovide 87 mg of1-[3-[4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a white solid. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.87 (m, 1H),7.66 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.45 (m, 2H), 4.77 (s, 2H), 4.46 (m, 2H), 3.63 (q,J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 1.16 (t, J=7.1 Hz,3H).

Example 141-[3-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-(3-aminopropyl)-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (1.26 g, 4.26mmol) was dissolved 10 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under a nitrogenatmosphere. N,N′-Bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (1.32 mg, 4.26 mmol)was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reactionmixture was treated with an additional portion ofN,N′-bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine and stirring was continued for 24hours. The reaction mixture was then concentrated under reducedpressure. The resulting material was dissolved in 50 mL of chloroformand then washed with water (3×) and finally brine. The organic layer wasthen dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. Chromatography [SiO₂, chloroform/(10% methanol/chloroformsaturated with NH₄OH) eluent] followed by crystallization fromacetonitrile yielded 262 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[3-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate.

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 10 mL of 1.2 N HCl inmethanol and heated at 70° C. overnight. The mixture was cooledresulting in the precipitation of a solid. The solid was isolated byfiltration, rinsed with a cold methanol and dried under vacuum toprovide 81 mg of1-[3-(4-amino-2-butyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)propyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as white crystals. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.78 (m, 1H),7.53 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 2H), 4.32 (m, 2H), 3.21 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H),2.79 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.96 (m, 2H), 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.37 (m, 2H), 0.87(t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H).

Example 151-[2-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

N′-(3-nitro-4-quinolyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (7.48 g, 32.2 mmol) wasdissolved 50 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under a nitrogenatmosphere. N,N′-Bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (10.0 g, 32.3 mmol)was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure to give a yellowsolid. The resulting material was dissolved in 300 mL of dichloromethaneand then washed with water (3×) and finally brine. The organic layer wasthen dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The resulting yellow solid was triturated in 100 mL of ethylacetate, filtered and dried to give 13.5 gtert-butyl-N-[(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-[2-[(3-nitro-4-quinolyl)amino]ethylamino]methylene]carbamateas a yellow solid.

tert-Butyl-N-[(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-[2-[(3-nitro-4-quinolyl)amino]ethylamino]methylene]carbamate(5.13 g) was placed in a Parr reaction vessel and suspended in 200 mL ofacetonitrile. Following the addition of 200 mg of 3% Pt on carbon, thevessel was shaken under 40 PSI of hydrogen pressure for 4 hours. Thereaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and concentratedunder reduced pressure to give 4.80 g oftert-butyl-N-[[2-[(3-amino-4-quinolyl)amino]ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamateas a light brown foam.

tert-Butyl-N-[[2-[(3-amino-4-quinolyl)amino]ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate(2.78 g, 6.26 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of dichloromethane and cooledto 0° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Triethylamine (0.87 mL, 6.26mmol) and acetyl chloride (445 μL, 6.26 mmol) were added and thereaction was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was thenconcentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting material wasdissolved in 30 mL of ethanol, treated with 1 mL of triethylamine andheated to reflux for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was then concentratedunder reduced pressure. The resulting syrup was dissolved in 50 mL ofdichloromethane and then washed with water (3×) and finally brine. Theorganic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. Chromatography (SiO₂, 2-20% methanol/ethylacetate eluent) gave 1.15 g oftert-butyl-N-[(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-[2-(2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethylamino]methylene]carbamateas an amber foam.

The foam (1.15 g, 2.46 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of dichloromethaneand mCPBA (57-86%, 0.74 g) was added. After stirring for 60 minutes,concentrated NH₄OH solution (10 ML) and p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (516mg, 2.70 mmol) were added. The resulting reaction mixture was stirredfor 60 minutes, and then sequentially diluted with 25 mL ofdichloromethane, washed with water (2×), and washed with brine. Theorganic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. Chromatography [SiO₂, chloroform/(10%methanol/chloroform saturated with NH₄OH) eluent] followed bycrystallization from acetonitrile yielded 435 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[2-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamateas amber crystals.

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 5 mL of 2.5 N HCl in methanoland heated at 70° C. for 4 hours. The mixture was cooled resulting inthe precipitation of a solid. The solid was isolated by filtration andcrystallized was from ethanol and water to provide 151 mg of1-[2-(4-amino-2-methyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a white solid. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.90 (m, 1H),7.60 (m, 1H), 7.50-7.45 (m, 2H), 4.51 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 2H), 3.60 (t, J=5.3Hz, 2H), 2.52 (s, 3H).

Example 161-[2-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

tert-butyl-N-[[2-[(3-amino-4-quinolyl)amino]ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate(2.24 g, 5.05 mmol) was dissolved in 15 mL of dichloromethane and cooledto 0° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Triethylamine (702microliters, 5.05 mmol) and propionyl chloride (441 microliters, 6.26mmol) were added and the reaction was stirred overnight. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultingmaterial was dissolved in 20 mL of ethanol, treated with 1 mL oftriethylamine and heated to reflux for 3 hours. The reaction mixture wasthen concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting syrup wasdissolved in 50 mL of dichloromethane and then washed with water (3×)and finally brine. The organic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography (SiO₂,2-20% methanol/ethyl acetate eluent) gave 0.77 g oftert-butyl-N-[(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-[2-(2-ethylimidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethylamino]methylene]carbamateas an amber foam.

The foam (737 mg, 1.52 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of dichloromethaneand mCPBA (57-86%, 461 mg) was added. After stirring for 60 minutes,concentrated NH₄OH solution (10 mL) and p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (319mg, 1.67 mmol) were added. The resulting reaction mixture was stirredfor 60 minutes, and then sequentially diluted with 25 mL ofdichloromethane, washed with water (2×) and washed with brine. Theorganic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. Chromatography [SiO₂, chloroform/(10%methanol/chloroform saturated with NH₄OH) eluent] followed bycrystallization from hexanes/propyl acetate yielded 424 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[2-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamateas rust-colored crystals.

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 5 mL of 2.5 N HCl in methanoland heated at 70° C. for 4 hours. The mixture was cooled andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting material wasdissolved in 10 mL of H₂O and washed with chloroform (3×10 mL). Theaqueous portion was concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultingsolid was triturated with ethanol and a drop of H₂O and then filtered toprovide 72 mg of1-[2-(4-amino-2-ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as an off-white solid. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.89 (m,1H), 7.57 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.43 (m, 2H), 4.51 (m, 2H), 3.58 (m, 2H), 2.82(q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H).

Example 171-[2-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

tert-Butyl-N-[[2-[(3-amino-4-quinolyl)amino]ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate(2.17 g, 4.89 mmol) was dissolved in 15 mL of dichloromethane and cooledto 0° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Triethylamine (680microliters, 4.89 mmol) and butyryl chloride (511 microliters, 4.89mmol) were added and the reaction was stirred overnight. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultingmaterial was dissolved in 10 mL of toluene and heated at reflux for 3hours. The reaction mixture was then concentrated under reducedpressure. The resulting syrup was dissolved in 50 mL of dichloromethaneand then washed with water (3×) and finally brine. The organic layer wasthen dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. Chromatography (SiO₂, 2-20% methanol/ethyl acetate eluent)gave 1.05 g oftert-butyl-N-[(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-[2-(2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethylamino]methylene]carbamateas light brown foam.

The foam (1.05 g, 2.12 mmol) was dissolved in 20 mL of dichloromethaneand mCPBA (57-86%, 639 mg) was added. After stirring for 60 minutes,concentrated NH₄OH solution (10 mL) and p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (444mg, 2.33 mmol) were added. The resulting reaction mixture was stirredfor 60 minutes, and then sequentially diluted with 50 mL ofdichloromethane, washed with water (3×) and washed with brine. Theorganic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. Chromatography [SiO₂, chloroform/(10%methanol/chloroform saturated with NH₄OH) eluent] followed bycrystallization from acetonitrile yielded 380 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[2-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamateas colorless crystals.

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 5 mL of 2.5 N HCl in methanoland heated at 70° C. for 4 hours. The mixture was cooled andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting material wascrystallized from ethanol and a drop of H₂O to give 204 mg of1-[2-(4-amino-2-propyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as white crystals. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.83 (m, 1H),7.54 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.39 (m, 2H), 4.48 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 3.56 (t, J=5.4Hz, 2H), 2.75 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.82 (m, 2H), 1.00 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H).

Example 181-[2-(4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

tert-Butyl-N-[[2-[(3-amino-4-quinolyl)amino]ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamate(2.35 g, 5.29 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of dichloromethane and cooledto 0° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Triethylamine (736microliters, 5.29 mmol) and ethoxyacetyl chloride (578 microliters, 5.29mmol) were added and the reaction was stirred overnight. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultingmaterial was dissolved in 30 mL of ethanol, treated with 1 mL oftriethylamine and heated at reflux for 3 hours. The reaction mixture wasthen concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting syrup wasdissolved in 50 mL of dichloromethane and then washed with water (3×)and finally brine. The organic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography (SiO₂,2-20% methanol/ethyl acetate eluent) gave 1.28 g oftert-butyl-N-[(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-[2-(2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethylamino]methylene]carbamateas a yellow syrup.

The syrup (1.28 g, 2.50 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of dichloromethaneand mCPBA (57-86%, 0.75 g) was added. After stirring for 90 minutes,concentrated NH₄OH solution (10 mL) and p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (524mg, 2.75 mmol) were added. The resulting reaction mixture was stirredfor 2 hours, and then sequentially diluted with 25 mL ofdichloromethane, washed with water (2×), and washed with brine. Theorganic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. Chromatography [SiO₂, chloroform/(10%methanol/chloroform saturated with NH₄OH) eluent] followed bycrystallization from acetonitrile 524 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[2-(4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamateas amber needles.

The BOC protected product from the previous reaction was dissolved in 5mL of 2.5 N HCl in methanol and heated at 70° C. for 4 hours. Themixture was cooled to give a syrup. The syrup was treated with a 5 mL ofethanol and subsequent rapid stirring resulted in the formation of aprecipitate which was isolated by filtration to provide 179 mg of1-[2-(4-amino-2-(ethoxymethyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a white powder. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 7.99 (m, 1H),7.62 (m, 1H), 7.53 (m, 1H), 7.48 (m, 1H), 4.76 (s, 2H), 4.68 (m, 2H),3.69-3.65 (m, 4H), 1.81 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

Example 191-[2-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride

1-(2-aminoethyl)imidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-4-amine (387 mg, 1.70mmol) was dissolved 5 mL of anhydrous DMF and stirred under a nitrogenatmosphere. N,N′-bis-BOC-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (526 mg, 1.70 mmol)was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reactionmixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultingwhite solid was triturated with ethyl acetate to give a white powderwhich was isolated by filtration to give 686 mg oftert-butyl-N-[[2-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethylamino]-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methylene]carbamateas a white powder.

The BOC protected product was dissolved in 10 mL of 2.5 N HCl inmethanol and heated to 60° C. overnight. The mixture was cooledresulting in the precipitation of a solid. The solid was isolated byfiltration, rinsed with a cold methanol and dried under vacuum toprovide 251 mg of1-[2-(4-aminoimidazo[4,5-c][1,5]naphthyridin-1-yl)ethyl]guanidinedihydrochloride as a white powder. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 500 MHz) 8.60 (dd,J=1.4, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 7.96 (dd, J=1.4, 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.59(dd, J=4.6, 8.6 Hz, 1H), 4.81 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.64 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H).

Cytokine Induction in Human Cells

Whole blood was obtained from healthy human donors and collected byvenipuncture into vacutainer tubes or syringes containing EDTA. Humanperipheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were purified from the wholeblood by density gradient centrifugation. Histopaque 1077 (15 mL, Sigma,St. Louis, Mo.) was transferred to 6×50 mL sterile polypropylene conicaltubes. The Histopaque was overlayed with 15-25 mL of blood diluted 1:2in Hank's Balanced Salts Solution (HBSS) (Gibco, Life Technology, GrandIsland N.Y.). The tubes were then centrifuged at 1370 rpm for 30 minutesat 20° C., with no brake (400×g, GH 3.8A Rotor).

The interface (buffy coat) containing the PBMC was collected and placedin a new sterile 50 mL conical polypropylene centrifuge tube. The PBMCwere mixed with an equal volume of HBSS (about 20 mL from the interfaceand about 20 mL of HBSS), and then centrifuged at 1090 rpm, 10 min, 20°C., with brake (270×g, GH 3.8A Rotor). After completing centrifugation,the cells were resuspended in 2-3 mL ACK Red blood cell lysis buffer(ammonium chloride potassium solution, Gibco, Life Technology) andincubated for 2-5 minutes at 20° C. Next, HBSS (40 mL) was added to thecells, and the sample was centrifuged at 270×g for 10 min at 20° C. Thesupernatant was decanted, and the cell pellet was resuspended in 5 mLAIM V® Medium (Gibco, Life Technology). Cell aggregates and debris wereremoved by filtering the cell solution through a BD Falcon 70 micronnylon cell strainer (BD Biosciences, San Jose, Calif.).

The number of viable cells were determined by counting with a MiltenyiFACS instrument (Miltenyi Biotec Inc., San Diego, Calif.) or by using ahemacytometer. For determining cell viability with a hemacytometer, thecells were diluted 1/10 in 0.4% trypan blue and HBSS (specifically, 50microliter of trypan blue+40 microliter of HBSS+10 microliter of cellsolution were added to a microfuge tube and mixed). Ten microliters ofthe diluted cells were then applied to the hemacytometer, and the numberof viable PBMC were determined by microscopy.

The PBMC sample was then resuspended in 96-well plates at aconcentration of 8×10⁵ cells/well in 0.1 mL of AIM-V medium. Eachcompound was solubilized in DMSO to create a 3 mM stock solution. Thestock solution was then further diluted with AIM-V medium to prepare theserial dilutions. The diluted compound (100 microliters) was thentransferred to the PBMCs to achieve final compound concentrations of 10,1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, 0.0001 micromolar. The plates also had bothpositive and negative controls. The negative control wells containedonly AIM-V medium with no example compound. The positive control wellscontained imiquimod serially diluted to concentrations of 10, 1, 0.1,0.01, 0.001, 0.0001 micromolar. The plates were then cultured at 37°C./5% CO₂ for 21-24 hrs. Cell-free supernatants were harvested bycentrifuging the 96-well plates at 2100 rpm, 23° C. for 10 minutes.Approximately 160 microliter of the supernatant was then stored in aNUNC 96-well plate, covered with the compression cap and stored at −80°C. until the cytokine analysis was done.

IFN-alpha cytokine levels (pg/mL) were measured by ELISA (human IFN-α,pan specific, Mabtech, Cincinnati, Ohio), IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, andIP-10 cytokine levels (pg/mL) were measured by multiplex bead assay(magnetic beads, R & D Systems Minneapolis, Minn.) according to themanufacturer's instructions.

The data was analyzed to determine the minimum effective concentration(MEC) for each compound at which induction of a particular cytokine wasobserved in the assay. Specifically, the minimum effective concentrationof each compound (micromolar) was determined as the lowest concentrationof the compound that induced a measured cytokine response at a level(pictograms/mL) that was at least 2× greater than that observed with thenegative control wells. The results are presented in Table 1.

TABLE 1 MEC to Induce Cytokine (micromolar) TNF- Compound IFN-alphaIFN-gamma alpha IP-10 Example 1 1 NT 0.001 NT Example 2 0.1 NT 0.1 0.1Example 3 0.1 >10 0.1 NT Example 4 0.01 0.1 0.01 0.01 Example 5 0.010.01 0.001 0.001 Example 6 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Example 7 1 >10 1 0.1Example 8 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.01 imiquimod 10 10 10 10 NT = not tested

The complete disclosures of the patents, patent documents, andpublications cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety as if each were individually incorporated. Variousmodifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope andspirit of this invention. It should be understood that this invention isnot intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments andexamples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments arepresented by way of example only with the scope of the inventionintended to be limited only by the claims set forth herein as follows.

I claim:
 1. A method of inducing cytokine biosynthesis in an animal,comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula Ito the animal:

wherein: R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form a fused benzene ring, afused pyridine ring, a fused cyclohexene ring, or a fusedtetrahydropyridine ring; wherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridinering, fused cyclohexene ring, or fused tetrahydropyridine ring is eitherunsubstituted or substituted by one or more R groups; R is selected fromthe group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl,—C(O)—O-alkyl, —C(O)—OCH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl, amino, alkylamino, anddialkylamino, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy, wherein the alkyl, aryl,arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl,heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, andheteroaryloxy groups can be unsubstituted or substituted by one or moresubstituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl,alkoxy, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino; R₁ isselected from the group consisting of —W—X—N(R₅)—C(═NH)—NH₂,—W—Z—N(R₅)—C(═NH)—NH₂, and

W is selected from the group consisting of a covalent bond, —O—, and—NH—; X is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene,and alkynylene, wherein any of the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylenegroups can be optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups; Z isselected from the group consisting of —X-arylene-X—,—X-heteroarylene-X—, —X-arylene-, and —X-heteroarylene-; R₂ is selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,—O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, alkylaminoalkylenyl,hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl; R₅ is selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,aryloxyalkylenyl, benzyloxyalkylenyl, aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, andcycloalkylalkylenyl, wherein any of the alkyl, arylalkylenyl,alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, benzyloxyalkylenyl,aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenyl groups can be eitherunsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl,haloalkyl, and nitrile; Q is selected from the group consisting of abond, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂—O—CH₂—, and —OCH₂—; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.2. The method of claim 1, wherein R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form afused benzene ring, a fused pyridine ring, or a fused cyclohexene ring,and wherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridine ring, or fusedcyclohexene ring is either unsubstituted or substituted by one and onlyone R group.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein R₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of —W—X—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂, and —W—Z—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein W is a covalent bond or —O—.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein X is alkylene optionally interrupted by oneor more —O— groups.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein X is selected fromthe group consisting of —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₂₋₄—(OCH₂CH₂—)₁₋₅,and —(CH₂)₂₋₆—(OCH₂CH₂—)₁₋₄.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein Z is—C₁₋₅alkylene-arylene-C₁₋₅alkylene- or—C₁₋₅alkylene-heteroarylene-C₁₋₅alkylene-.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein Z is —CH₂-phenylene-CH₂—.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein R₂is selected from the group consisting hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, and hydroxyalkylenyl.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —CH₃,—CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂OCH₃,—CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH₂OH.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃,—CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and —CH₂CH₂OCH₃.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein thecompound of Formula I is a compound of Formula XIII:

wherein: R_(1B) is selected from the group consisting of—X_(B)—N(R_(5B))—C(═NH)—NH₂, —Z_(B)—N(R_(5B))—C(═NH)—NH₂ , and

X_(B) is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, andalkynylene, wherein any of the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylenegroups can be optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups; Z_(B) isselected from the group consisting of —X_(B)-arylene-X_(B)—,—X_(B)-heteroarylene-X_(B)—, —X_(B)-arylene-, and —X_(B)-heteroarylene-;R_(2B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, —O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl;R_(5B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, benzyloxyalkylenyl,aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenyl, wherein any of thealkyl, arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl,benzyloxyalkylenyl, aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenylgroups can be either unsubstituted or substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from the group consisting ofhalogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl, haloalkyl, and nitrile; Q_(B) isselected from the group consisting of a bond, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, and —OCH₂—;or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein R_(1B) is selected from the group consisting of—X_(B)—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂, and —Z_(B)—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein X_(B) is alkylene optionally interrupted by one ormore —O— groups; and Z_(B) is —C₁₋₅alkylene-arylene-C₁₋₅alkylene- or—C₁₋₅alkylene-heteroarylene-C₁₋₅alkylene-.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein Z_(B) is —CH₂-phenylene-CH₂—.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein X_(B) is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂—,—CH₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—,—(CH₂)₂₋₄—(OCH₂CH₂—)₁₋₅, and —(CH₂)₂₋₆—(OCH₂CH₂—)₁₋₄.
 17. The method ofclaim 12 wherein the method comprises administering an admixture of thecompound of Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 18. Amethod of inducing biosynthesis of IFN-alpha in an animal comprisingadministering an effective amount a compound of Formula I to the animal:

wherein: R₃ and R₄ are taken together to form a fused benzene ring, afused pyridine ring, a fused cyclohexene ring, or a fusedtetrahydropyridine ring; wherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridinering, fused cyclohexene ring, or fused tetrahydropyridine ring is eitherunsubstituted or substituted by one or more R groups; R is selected fromthe group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl,—C(O)—O-alkyl, —C(O)—OCH₂Ph, —C(O)—O-aryl, amino, alkylamino, anddialkylamino, aryl, arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy,aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl,heteroarylalkyleneoxy, and heteroaryloxy, wherein the alkyl, aryl,arylalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, arylalkyleneoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryl,heteroarylalkylenyl, heteroaryloxyalkyenyl, heteroarylalkyleneoxy, andheteroaryloxy groups can be unsubstituted or substituted by one or moresubstituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl,alkoxy, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,arylalkyleneoxy, nitrile, amino, alkylamino, and dialkylamino; R₁ isselected from the group consisting of —W—X—N(R₅)—C(═NH)—NH₂,—W—Z—N(R₅)—C(═NH)—NH₂, and

W is selected from the group consisting of a covalent bond, —O—, and—NH—; X is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene,and alkynylene, wherein any of the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylenegroups can be optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups; Z isselected from the group consisting of —X—arylene-X—,—X—heteroarylene-X—, —X—arylene-, and —X—heteroarylene-; R₂ is selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,—O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl, alkylaminoalkylenyl,hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl; R₅ is selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, arylalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,aryloxyalkylenyl, benzyloxyalkylenyl, aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, andcycloalkylalkylenyl, wherein any of the alkyl, arylalkylenyl,alkoxyalkylenyl, aryloxyalkylenyl, benzyloxyalkylenyl,aryl-(CH₂)₂₋₆—O-alkylenyl, and cycloalkylalkylenyl groups can be eitherunsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl,haloalkyl, and nitrile; Q is selected from the group consisting of abond, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂—O—CH₂—, and —OCH₂—; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.19. The method of claim 18, wherein R₃ and R₄ are taken together to forma fused benzene ring, a fused pyridine ring, or a fused cyclohexenering, and wherein the fused benzene ring, fused pyridine ring, or fusedcyclohexene ring is either unsubstituted or substituted by one and onlyone R group.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein R₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of —W—X—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂, and —W—Z—N(H)—C(═NH)—NH₂. 21.The method of claim 18, wherein W is a covalent bond or —O—.
 22. Themethod of claim 18, wherein X is alkylene optionally interrupted by oneor more —O— groups.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein X is selectedfrom the group consisting of —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂—, —CH₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₂₋₄—(OCH₂CH₂—)₁₋₅,and —(CH₂)₂₋₆—(OCH₂CH₂—)₁₋₄.
 24. The method of claim 18, wherein Z is—C₁₋₅alkylene-arylene-C₁₋₅alkylene- or—C₁₋₅alkylene-heteroarylene-C₁₋₅alkylene-.
 25. The method of claim 24,wherein Z is —CH₂-phenylene-CH₂—.
 26. The method of claim 18, wherein R₂is selected from the group consisting hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, and hydroxyalkylenyl.
 27. The method of claim 26,wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —CH₃,—CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂OCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂OCH₃,—CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂NHCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂NHCH₃, —CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH₂OH.
 28. Themethod of claim 26, wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃,—CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and —CH₂CH₂OCH₃.
 29. The method of claim 18, wherein thecompound of Formula I is a compound of Formula XIII:

wherein: R_(1B) is selected from the group consisting of—X_(B)—N(R_(5B))—C(═NH)—NH₂, —Z_(B)—N(R_(5B))—C(═NH)—NH₂, and

X_(B) is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, andalkynylene, wherein any of the alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylenegroups can be optionally interrupted by one or more —O— groups; Z_(B) isselected from the group consisting of —X_(B)-arylene-X_(B)—,—X_(B)-heteroarylene-X_(B)—, —X_(B)-arylene-, and —X_(B)-heteroarylene-;R_(2B) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, —O-alkyl, hydroxyalkylenyl, alkoxyalkylenyl,alkylaminoalkylenyl, hydroxyl, —CH₂—NH—O-alkyl, and —CH₂NHC(O)-alkyl.30. A method of claim 18, wherein the method comprises administering anadmixture of the compound of Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.